A new section of the London Overground service between Clapham Junction and Surrey Quays is being created.
Construction work began at Clapham Junction station last week to create a new section of the London Overground service between the station and Surrey Quays.
The work, which is due to be completed in early 2012, will convert Platform 2 of the station into two separate platforms for the new and existing services.
Four trains in an hour are expected to run from December 2012 stopping en route at Wandsworth Road, Clapham High Street, Denmark Hill, Peckham Rye and Queens Road Peckham. Trains will continue as far north as Dalston Junction in Hackney.
The extension comes after a nine-year council campaign for a direct route connecting south-west and north London which would avoid the heavy congestion of zone one.
Wandsworth Council believes it is another step forward for its Travel Choices campaign which aims to provide local people with new, faster and more convenient travel options.
Transport Spokesman Councillor Russell King said: “The new service will transform journey times to the Docklands and provide a major economic boost for Battersea.
“We will continue to lobby the rail authorities for greater investment in Clapham Junction which still suffers from an unacceptable level of congestion.”
Alastair Alexander, Chief Executive Officer of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce, said the extension has the potential to improve transport facilities in the borough and therefore boost economic activity, but more could be done.
“We are delighted by the plan for the Northern Line extension to Battersea Power Station, but a further boost for the local economy would be for it to be extended to Clapham Junction,” he said.
“We have no doubt this would make Clapham Junction the hub of communications in South London and further boost economic activity in the borough.”
The new rail link, which is being funded by Transport for London (TfL), will also mark the completion of the London Overground Network.
Howard Smith, Chief Operating Officer at TfL London Rail said: “The London Overground is a true success story.
“Passenger numbers have increased by a staggering 2,335 over the last four years and we are delighted to extend the service across south London for the benefit of people living and working close to Clapham Junction.”
